"Thankfully, I wasn't one of those that travelled from London to Manchester to witness what must only be described as a complete circus farce at the opening of the National Speedway Stadium, and the Peter Craven Memorial Meeting. With a sell-out crowd and the world's press there, on top of the Lord Mayor of Manchester opening what should have been a prestigious night for the sport, by all accounts it descended into total farce and anarchy. After 52 years of watching my beloved sport, and a part of that involved in at least saving the Wimbledon Dons from extinction, am I ready to turn my back on it? I am very near to say the least, and unless the promoters can come up with something concrete to save speedway's bacon, then thousands will be shaved off attendances this year and the sport will continue it's gentle decline into total oblivion. If I were one of those who were there that evening, I would NEVER come back."

Ron Butler:

"Oh how I miss those halcyon days at Hyde Road so many years ago. So many happy memories! We proud supporters had fan rattles - they made a clacking sound. I had a large handbell which my sister painted in the Aces rider colours. We even had a Belle Vue Aces song which we sang with great gusto. Those were the days, my friends - we thought they'd never end. What have we now - just a pale imitation of a once great sport! "

Mike Fidler:

"I totally agree with David Pickles comments. We travelled down from Ulverston in Cumbria for Belle Vue's opening meeting, got there early as recommended & spent 4 hours in the cold waiting around watching a "National Speedway Stadium" present a Grand Opening in the style of a 1940's village Fete. As for Belle Vue's treatment of fans for refunds on their tickets... don't even get me started!! Let's just say communication was appalling . Hyde Road = Fantastic ! Kirkmanshulme Greyhound = great ( if limited by dog track) The National Speedway Stadium?!.... lets shout it through the rolled up newspaper that they use for a PA system..."HOPELESS !" We will not be back."